At Forever Houseboats, we offer marina boat rentals at the top houseboat destinations in the Southwestern United States, where the sun is in full bloom. There is nothing more relaxing than hearing the waves against the boat while lounging on the sun deck of a luxury houseboat, but without proper sun protection on said houseboat, it doesn’t take long for sun damage to creep in, resulting in a nasty burn. The combination of direct sunlight and reflected sunlight from the water’s surface can cause sun damage and painful sunburns. Here are some helpful tips to stay protected as you enjoy your next houseboating adventure.
Sunscreen
Not every sunscreen is created equal. All sunscreens are rated with a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, ranging from two to 50 that indicates how effectively it is able to block the sun’s rays. According to the Center for Disease Control and the American Melanoma Foundation, everyone should use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, even when it is cloudy outside.
Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours. Sun screen should also be reapplied after swimming, toweling off, or sweating. In addition to reapplying, be certain you’ve applied sunscreen to all exposed skin. Don’t forget the top of your head, your ears, and even the top of your feet.
Beyond Sunscreen
Sunscreen should not be your only defense while you’re lounging around on the boat. Rather, it should be one tool in your arsenal of sun protection. Your other tools should include clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Your eyes, just like your skin, can be damaged by too much sun exposure. Keep them protected with UV blocking sunglasses. Brimmed hats are also a great way to keep the sun off the top of your head and your face; however, if you wear a baseball hat, be sure to put extra sunscreen on the back of your neck. UV-resistant or other tightly-woven clothing can keep the sun’s rays out. Specialty-UV blocking fabrics are quick-drying, so you can wear them in or out of the water.
At Forever Houseboats, we love to have fun in the sun. We want to keep doing it for years to come, so we are committed to your sun safety. Contact us today for more sun safety tips and when you are ready to book your marina houseboat rental with Forever Houseboats.
